I admit it, I use the word should all the time. It's definitely part of my speech pattern, just as it is for the majority of the population. I use and hear that venomous word often. It defines persuasion, obligation and almighty judgement. Three words and feelings I can't stand. Like a snake, it's so sly that we don't even realize it slithers in and out of conversations. We are programmed to believe that whatever it is we're doing, we should be doing it differently or better or longer or less or more. We automatically assign judgement. We do it to our kids... to our partners... to our employees... to our friends... but mostly, and this is the really dangerous part, we are constantly hearing the infinity loop of shoulds in our own head about our own abilities and behaviours. "I should be thinner"... "I should really go to the gym"... "I should get up earlier"... "I should call my mother"... "I should make more money"... "I should be more grateful"... "I should be happier"... "I should follow my tug" (haha, you know I had to put that one in there, right?).The danger is that we actually create beliefs based on those crazy, ridiculous shoulds. Creating a belief that whatever we're doing or whoever we are is not good enough depletes our energy and does absolutely nothing to inspire us to take action. We get stuck in 'shouldsville'. Instead of propelling us forward, our shoulds remove us from all responsibility, they abdicate us from making the changes we want in our lives. So, we manage to riddle ourselves (or others) with guilt for not stepping up... leaving us feeling "less than."What if we replaced the word should with words like will, plan or intend. Any other verb you think might activate a positive tug?Let's energize our connection by starting a conversation on Facebook! And if you know someone who needs to read this... please share, share, share! Let's take care of each other.

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Clearly, Anne

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I'm a Canadian currently living in Costa Rica.. I write about how I follow my tug and help you follow yours so you can live the life you're meant to live... to find meaning without regret. I invite you to discover how your tug tugs you! Are you feeling inspired?Copyright 2014-2015. All rights reserved.

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